Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, has called on the European Commission to immediately harmonise its unilateral EU ETS / FuelEU Maritime regulations with the recently adopted IMO Net-Zero Framework.
The move aims to prevent ferry operators from being subjected to double payment for the same greenhouse gas emissions, which Interferry warns would impose an unsustainable financial burden on European ferry services.
The organisation stresses that such regulatory overlap jeopardises the long-term viability of Europe’s RoRo cargo and passenger ferry operators. According to Interferry, this threatens the continuity of lifeline ferry services that are critical for trade and travel across the continent.
Furthermore, increased costs could push more freight and passengers onto already congested European road networks, undermining environmental and logistical benefits.
Johan Roos, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Interferry, emphasised the urgency: “We cannot have a situation where operators are paying twice for the same emissions. The European Commission pledged to align its rules once a strong global framework was established at the IMO. That framework is now in place. It’s time for the European Commission to deliver on its promise, ensure regulatory consistency, and protect the vital role ferries play in Europe’s economy and connectivity.”
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Europe’s ferry industry is of significant economic importance, with over half of the world’s gross RoRo passenger ship tonnage operating in European waters. Collectively, ferries transport up to 800 million passengers and 200 million vehicles and freight units annually, thereby alleviating pressure on road infrastructure.
Interferry highlights the challenge faced by ferry operators who compete directly with other transport modes while navigating highly price-sensitive customers. Any increase in ticket prices risks reduced volumes, especially as road transport currently enjoys regulatory exemptions from comparable emissions surcharges.
The association urges the European Commission to fulfil its commitment to undertake a comprehensive review of the unilateral EU greenhouse gas requirements, aligning them with the IMO’s global Net-Zero framework. Such alignment is described as essential for preventing double payment, maintaining the ferry sector’s competitiveness, and supporting sustainable transport solutions in Europe.
